Game on: Can San Simeon Bar & Grill protect its dynastic race title?

Race Day is weeks away, but competitors are verbally sparring over the outcome of the “Great Waiter and Waitress Tray Balancing Relay Race” at Cambria’s traditional July 4 celebration at Shamel Park.

“We’re finally going to beat those San Simeon runners,” a spokesperson for the Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill boasted. He referred to the team from San Simeon Bar & Grill that has won every race that anybody can remember.

“We don’t want to accuse anybody of ‘fowl’ play,” a runner from The Sea Chest joked. “But rumor has it that one team is feeding seagulls and training them to dump on us during the race.” He glanced north, but declined to accuse a specific team.

Gustavo Beltran, a San Simeon runner, poured water over any suggestion that his team might be responsible for bird droppings, saying, “We never would do anything like that because we’re clean racers.” He also dismissed the possibility of a Cambria restaurant victory this year. “They can dream about it, but it won’t happen.”

For those who like to keep score, each team consists of four runners who must carry a tray containing three cups of water over a prescribed distance in relay format. Glasses must be refilled as required. Teams share monetary prizes according to order of finish.

This year’s Independence Day celebration will include a full day of family entertainment, food and fireworks from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Live music will be provided by Stellar (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Held for Ransom (2:30 to 4:30 p.m.) and Rough House (5 to 9 p.m.).